Last year, I had the privilege of serving as PRSA Chair. I was the first, second-generation public relations counselor to serve as Chair and, from what I’ve been told, the youngest, as well. My tenure – like those of most leaders – was filled with challenges and opportunities that required a great deal of my time and attention. Still, chairing the Society was one of the greatest personal and professional experiences of my life; I’m a stronger leader, manager, communicator, counselor and person for it.

As PRSA embarks on the process of nominating its next slate of Directors, I would urge all members to consider serving the society and the profession in this role.

Continue reading " What I Learned as PRSA Chair "

Delegates to PRSA’s Assembly came together on Nov. 7 and overwhelmingly approved a new set of bylaws that strengthen the Society. New provisions were adopted that give the Nominating Committee greater flexibility in proposing candidates for Board service, establish a “Leadership Assembly” to focus on issues of concern to the profession, and move the organization closer to the direct election of Directors and Officers for the National Board.

The Assembly adopted the comprehensive slate of changes to PRSA’s bylaws, which become effective immediately, by a final tally of 264 to 20. In most cases, the revisions successfully attached amendments proposed by Assembly Delegates to the original changes suggested by the Bylaws Rewrite Task Force. These amendments were tendered in an iterative and collaborative process that took place over a six-month period leading up to Assembly, which included a series of Assembly Delegate communications, teleconferences and eGroup discussions.

Continue reading " PRSA Assembly Overwhelmingly Adopts New Bylaws "

Earlier this week in Chicago, PRSA’s Nominating Committee selected a group of candidates to put before the National Assembly, for consideration and election as PRSA Officers, Directors and Assembly Delegates.

Twenty PRSA members from across the country and a certified professional parliamentarian comprised the Nominating Committee. They had a fantastic group of candidates this year from which to choose. One of the most challenging aspects of the nominating process is, in fact, that we have an abundance of well-qualified volunteers who come forward to serve PRSA and the public relations industry.

Continue reading " For 60 Years, Democratic Principles Guide Selection of PRSA Leaders "